Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter, is making headlines once again. Her fourth studio album, Virgin, is officially set for release on June 27, 2025. Fans and critics alike have been eager for new music since her 2021 album, Solar Power. With the announcement of Virgin, Lorde promises a fresh chapter—both musically and visually.
On April 30, 2025, Lorde broke the news of her new album via her official channels. She revealed not only the release date but also shared insight into the creative process and the album’s unique aesthetic. In her own words, Lorde describes the project as embodying transparency, honesty, and raw femininity.
“THE COLOUR OF THE ALBUM IS CLEAR. LIKE BATHWATER, WINDOWS, ICE, SPIT. FULL TRANSPARENCY. THE LANGUAGE IS PLAIN AND UNSENTIMENTAL. THE SOUNDS ARE THE SAME WHEREVER POSSIBLE. I WAS TRYING TO SEE MYSELF, ALL THE WAY THROUGH.”
Her message to fans is both vulnerable and powerful, hinting at an album that pulls no punches in its storytelling and execution. She added, “I’M PROUD AND SCARED OF THIS ALBUM. THERE’S NOWHERE TO HIDE. I BELIEVE THAT PUTTING THE DEEPEST PARTS OF OURSELVES TO MUSIC IS WHAT SETS US FREE.”
For a comprehensive overview of Lorde’s announcement and collaborators, discover more on Pitchfork.
The new album marks Lorde’s first major project since Solar Power. Virgin features 11 tracks and was produced in collaboration with Jim-E Stack, Daniel Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged, Buddy Ross, and Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange). Notably, the album artwork does not feature Lorde herself, but instead showcases a provocative X-ray image. This creative choice further cements the theme of transparency and openness that Lorde champions throughout Virgin.
The lead single, “What Was That,” dropped on April 24 and came with a visually striking music video, filmed in New York City's Washington Square Park. The song, co-produced by Lorde, Jim-E Stack, and Daniel Nigro, provides an early glimpse into the album's sonic and lyrical direction.
Find more details about the album's collaborators and the meaning behind the cover art on Billboard’s coverage of Lorde's new album 'Virgin'.
Lorde’s Virgin stands out for its emphasis on authenticity. As she notes, both the sound and language are “plain and unsentimental.” The project aims to reflect the many facets of femininity, from innocence to boldness. Previous releases, such as her re-recorded Māori-language EPs and unique collaborations, suggested Lorde was experimenting and evolving as an artist. Virgin seems poised to deliver on that promise, blending artistic risk with deep emotional resonance.
According to Spin’s Yahoo Entertainment report, some portions of the album were recorded at the renowned Flux Studio in New York. This detail hints at a cosmopolitan and perhaps more refined production environment.
With the countdown to June 27 underway, anticipation for Lorde's Virgin is at an all-time high. The singer promises honesty, bold production, and a new chapter in her artistic journey. If her words, the evocative album cover, and lead single are any indication, fans are in for a transparent and transformative listening experience.
Be sure to follow updates and get an early look at pre-orders as the release date approaches. Are you ready for a new era of Lorde?